Hawks use a loud, piercing vocalization known as a “squawk” to communicate various messages. These distinctive sounds convey specific information, forming a complex communication system.
Defending Territory and Alerting Others
Hawks frequently use squawks to establish and defend territories. A hawk’s shriek warns other raptors or threats away from hunting grounds and nesting sites. This territorial display is common during breeding season, with louder calls indicating a stronger claim. Red-tailed Hawks, for instance, emit a hoarse, screaming “kee-eeeee-arr” sound while soaring, lasting about 2-3 seconds.
These vocalizations also serve as alarm calls, signaling danger to other hawks or their young. Hawks may screech at perceived threats, such as humans near a nest, warning intruders away. Such alarm calls can even be recognized by other bird species, allowing them to take cover.
Communicating with Mates and Young
Beyond territorial defense, hawk squawks facilitate internal communication within breeding pairs and between parents and offspring. During courtship, male hawks use specific vocalizations to attract females and signal their readiness to mate. For example, Red-tailed Hawks may make a shrill “chwirk” sound as part of their courtship rituals, sometimes given in a series of calls. This helps reinforce their pair bond, which for many species can last for multiple breeding seasons, sometimes even for life.
Parents also use squawks to communicate with their young, particularly concerning food and safety. Female Red-shouldered Hawks, for instance, might give a soft “kee” call when on the nest. Young hawks, in turn, use repetitive, high-pitched “begging calls” to signal their hunger and solicit food from their parents. These vocal exchanges are essential for the survival and development of the young, ensuring they receive necessary care and are alerted to potential dangers.
Commonly Confused Bird Sounds
The distinctive sound of a hawk’s squawk is often mistakenly attributed to other birds, particularly eagles, in popular media. While hawks do produce loud, piercing calls, their sounds are generally different from those made by eagles. The iconic “eagle cry” heard in many films and television shows is frequently, in fact, the vocalization of a Red-tailed Hawk.
A typical Red-tailed Hawk squawk is described as a hoarse, raspy scream that descends in pitch, lasting approximately 2-3 seconds, sometimes compared to a steam whistle. In contrast, Bald Eagle calls are often softer, consisting of chirping or whistling notes, which are less imposing than the hawk’s scream. Understanding these differences helps in accurately identifying the birds responsible for the sounds heard in the wild.